The Parlor

This place is still kind of an under rated secret. They have a full bar, a great staff and a sweet little game room. They have that corner bar feel and bands play here often. It’s worth a stop in if you’re looking for a chiller spot to hang. Just add company and you’re set.

The Parlor: it’s a solid spot to have a drink or two, to watch «the» game, to play games, or to host a small little shindig.
Full disclosure: I never actually ever made it to the Bomb Shelter. Friends tell me I would’ve loved the spot, and from what they have to say re: the selection, the staff, the vibe… I’m sure I would’ve. That said, I don’t have that particular reference point/​nostalgia with the space itself, which allows me a more objective view of the Parlor (I think).
Flat screen teevees, a solid (not extensive, but solid) beer selection, reasonable prices, nice folks, cool wall décor, games, ample seating, an overall good vibe… I like!
I also like that this spot’s not far from my house… I have a feeling this is going to be a go-​to for meeting friends in the area during the wintertime months.

It’s hard to walk into The Parlor and not recall the place it was prior – a place that was dear to many of our hearts for its eclectic collection of breweriana and wide assortment of beers. And, of course, its owner, who became a friend of ours before his sudden passing.
That said, I looked forward to visiting The Parlor. I had heard that it was going to have a Johnny Cash-​infused honky tonk vibe and, being the lifelong Cash fan that I am, made me anxious to visit.
It’s a nice place with some very cool old school Bettie Page and Johnny Cash posters. Lots of tattoo art graphics too. Tats aren’t my thing, but it makes for some interesting wall art.
Gone are the hundreds of different beer selections, but what they have is a pretty standard and solid assortment of craft brews. You should be able to find something to your liking. On my visit, I had Lakefront’s Wisconsinite – my new favorite for a hot Summer’s evening.
I liked all the music that was playing too. In fact, I think the whole time I was there it was Johnny Cash. Maybe they snuck in another tune, but all I remember is the Man in Black and that’s okay with me.
The only thing that spoiled my first visit was profanity-​laced verbiage of my fellow patrons. I mean, must every sentence contain an F-​bomb? I’m no innocent when it comes to swearing, as I’ve been know to drop the occasional curse word. And I can’t hold the bar completely responsible for behavior of their customers, however, it was evident that these were friends of the owner, so in that respect, I’m a little disappointed. I mean, if it’s my place and a man and his wife walk in for drink, I would ask my friends to cool it with the F-​bombs for a bit.
(For the record, my mom owned a tavern for many years. We lived upstairs and our kitchen was downstairs next to the bar. When a patron got too foul-​mouthed, it was pretty common for my mom to tell him or her to lighten up on their choice of language.)
Welcome to the Milwaukee bar scene, The Parlor, and good luck. I know just where I’ll go the next time I’m in the mood for a cold beer and some effin’ Johnny Cash! ;)

This bar opened up where the Bomb Shelter used to be. I’ve stopped in a couple of times for a quick drink after work. All in all it’s an unpretentious neighborhood bar.
The place has seen a fresh coat of paint and has all new decorations. Lenny the owner/​bartender runs it with his wife.
The prices aren’t bad and there’s a friendly neighborhood bar atmosphere. Call it ½ blue collar and ½ Rockwell Automation after work types. No food right now, but there’s talk about maybe having pizzas and such.
If you’re in the area you can do worse.